The Porsche scion credited with creating its most storied car, the 911, has passed on. Porsche AG in Stuttgart announced on Thursday that Ferdinand Alexander Porsche died in Salzburg, Austria, at the age of 76. Known simply as F.A., he was the grandson of patriarch and founder Ferry Porsche.

Using plasticine, he began shaping a potential successor to the 356 a year before he joined the Stuttgart design studio in 1962. The following year, directors approved his design for the Type 901, which became the 911 once it reached production. He is also the father of the 904 GTS race and rally car. Matthias Müller, president and CEO of Porsche AG, paid tribute to Porsche’s service, saying, “We mourn the death of our partner, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche. As the creator of the Porsche 911, he established a design culture in our company that has shaped our sports cars to this very day. His philosophy of good design is a legacy to us that we will honor for all time.”

Sorry Ptsloc8tr and William, it was Peugeot that objected to Porsche using any three digit number where the middle number was 0, asserting ownership of the naming rights in key markets, and having already sold many models with that scheme.

Very few people know the 911 started out as the 901. It became the 911 because of Saab, not Citroen. Saab used the 3 number system beginning with 9 0 and claimed that they had the right to 9 0 numbers for street cars. Porsche was still able to use 9 0 for race cars. Just a little Porsche trivia.

It’s not his fault they haven’t done it. It is the “pifosi” who won’t accept anything else. The technical people at Porsche have been trying to do something fresh for ages, ever since the 928 at least. Too bad Porsche fans won’t accept anything but a 911 profile…

I’ve been very fortunate to own a number of 911’s. The oldest was a a 1966 and my current is a 2007 Carrera S Cab. 911’s have always been technically interesting and handsome in their simplicity. The 911 HAS had an interesting series of mini re-designs. If you want something contemporary, buy a Cayman. It’s really a Carrera with the engine in the right place.

Most people know that it was Peugeot that casued the stir over the model designations. I had a license tag that read “MY 901″ for a while – only the informed got the in-joke.

He was known as Butzi to his friends and family. And don’t forget that the French government threw his father in prison after WWII.

There are hundreds of books written about Porsche – both the family and the cars. Enjoy one and get your facts straight.

you are very correct about his nick name “Butzi” I always though it strange and never knew what it meant ?? I was introduced to him at the Porsche Parade at Lake Geneva Wisconsin in 1972…Oh by the way it was his grandfather the French put in prison “Ferdinand Porsche” Ferry was his father…..rumor has it that when in prison Ferdinand designed the Renault …I don’t know witch model

A person who has never owned a 911 won’t ever get it.
The Corvette still looks like a Corvette from C2 on.
Surely Harley Davidson has kept the image alive with variations of the same theme too.
Ducati still likes Desmodromic valve actuation even if it has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt that it is no better than valve springs. Mercedes used it in the ’50’s and dumped it.
Ducati have built some ugly motorcycles too!
The worst looking 911 ever made is still beautiful!
Americans are trained for planned obsolescence. It is almost an expectation groomed by the big 3 and instilled into the psyche of the buying public.
I believe there are no car designs that have stood the test of time as well.
Well done sir. Godspeed!

The 911 is a beautiful and timeless designs which should evolve but not disappear. Too many car companies have lost their following when the products radically change. “Family Resemblance” Why do you think the new Mustang, Camaro and Challenger are such a hit?